The Malta Business Bureau organised the first in a series of events entitled Business Meets MEPs. These events give the local business community the opportunity to express their views, concerns and ideas directly with the current Maltese MEPs. "The meetings," explained MBB CEO Joe Tanti, "will establish and maintain an effective channel of communication linking the demands of local businesses with their European representatives".

The MBB held a press conference before the event which was addressed by MBB president George Micallef, Simon Busuttil MEP and Louis Grech MEP. Mr Micallef said: "The Malta Business Bureau strongly believes these regular events will help better inform our MEPs on the core issues affecting local business, consequently also enhancing the MEPs' own contribution to the political debates at a European level."

MEP Louis Grech said: "Decisions taken at EU level affect citizens, including business especially SMEs. This interactive process between MEPs and interested stake holders should not simply serve as an information session, but should serve as a catalyst to promote ideas and potential action for the benefit of business, SME and consumers." Dr Busuttil explained that "the decisions we take in the European Parliament and the votes we cast have a direct impact on enterprises, especially on SMEs. This MBB initiative will help Maltese MEPs continue to reflect the concerns and aspirations of Maltese firms".

At the event, entitled: "Yes to a Social Europe! But at what cost for employers, business and economic competitiveness?" Miriam Dalli asked Dr Busuttil a number of questions regarding the costs for business implied by the EU's social measures. The major topics discussed to this end were those concerning the Maternity Leave Directive, and the Revision of the Working Time Directive. Following this discussion the audience was given the opportunity to liaise directly with Dr Busuttil on any queries or problems that they are facing due to social affairs.

These events are going to be held on a regular basis, at the Hotel Phoenicia on Friday afternoons between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Each event will be chaired and moderated by a senior Maltese journalist, who will ask the invited MEP a series of questions, and after which will open the debate to the floor for any queries which may arise during the meeting. For more information one may contact the Malta Business Bureau on info@mbb.org.mt.